Game 1 Starters from MLB.comTed Lilly – This will be Lilly’s second start against the Cardinals in a week. He gave up three runs on five hits over seven innings on Monday in a makeup game, striking out seven. Can he top that? Jim Edmonds and So Taguchi both homered off the lefty, who did hold Albert Pujols to a double. Lilly also notched his first career double, driving in a run, as well. His next win will set a career high.

Braden Looper – Looper saw a run of strong starts end in his last outing, but he remains the Cards’ second-most reliable starter. He’s thrived in daylight, with a 1.74 ERA in day games, so he’ll get the call in the opener of the doubleheader. Looper has also gotten deep into games for the most part, making him a good choice for the beginning of 18 innings of baseball.

Additional Notes on Looper

If you want ground balls, Looper’s your man. His heat can reach the upper 90s and he’s really rough on righties.

He has trouble consistently getting his fastball as high as it can go so hitters often wait and tee off on the softer stuff.

Game 2 Starters from MLB.comSean Marshall – Marshall will make his first start since Aug. 31. That game was against the Astros, and the lefty gave up four runs — one earned — on five hits and four walks over 3 2/3 innings. He was switched to the ‘pen when the Cubs acquired Steve Trachsel, and has made one relief outing so far. The Cubs are hoping Marshall can benefit from the time off.

Joel Pineiro – Pineiro was like Superman in his last start: Up, up and away. He left all of his pitches up in the zone in a five-run fourth inning against the Cubs, and Chicago made him pay. He gave up two home runs, three doubles and a single before leaving. It was by far his worst start since coming over to St. Louis in a deadline deal with Boston.

Additional Notes on Pineiro

He keeps the ball in the park with disorienting movement on his low-90s fastball and effective change-up, but it’s his swooping curve that does most of the damage.

Spends a little too much time concentrating on base runners and ends up getting beaten by the hitter. Needs to improve his endurance.

What to Watch For
Coming into the day up 1.5 games, we have an opportunity to end the day up 3 games or even tied for first place. How big would it be to sweep this doubleheader, eliminate the Cardinals, and essentially put Milwaukee in a major hole. Let’s take care of business today.

Joe Aiello is the founder of View From the Bleachers and one of the lead writers. Growing up in Chicago, he fondly remembers attending games in the bleachers before that was the popular thing to do. Currently Joe resides in North Carolina with his wife and three kids and helps people protect their assets as an independent insurance agent.
Connect with Joe via Twitter / Facebook / E-mail